Self-closing bottle



Nov. 7, 1944. A. s. 01mm SELF-CLOSING 130mm Filed Nov. 27, 1-942 Patented Nov. 7, 1944 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 2,362,150 SELF-CLOSING BOTTLE Arthur S. Odin, Detroit, Mich., assignor of five per cent to Julius C. Pliskow, Detroit, Mich.

Application November 21", 1942, Serial No. 467,137

1 Claim.

This invention relates to new and useful improvements in bottles and other containers, and more particularly to a self-closure therefor.

The principal object of the present invention is to provide a bottle structure having a neck in which a closure element is free to close the bottle when liquid is not being poured therefrom, or moved to an out-of-the-way position when liquid is being poured.

Another important object of the invention is to provide a self-closing bottle in which the closing element is primarily employed for sealing the bottle before primary use.

'Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent to the reader of the following description.

' In the drawing:

Figure 1 represents a vertical sectional view through a bottle constructed in accordance with the present invention and being the form which is employed for gaseous liquid containing bottles.

Figure 2 is a section on line 2-2 of Figure 1.,

Figure 3 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view through a slightly modified form of the invention, the closure being especially adapted ior non-gaseous liquids.

Referring to the drawing wherein like numerals designate like parts, it can be seen in Figure 1 that numeral 5 represents the body of a bottle constructed in accordance with the present invention. This bottle has an upwardly tapering neck 6 which is constrictedas at I, Where it merges with the shoulder of the bottle to define a seat 8.

Just above the seat 8 the neck 6 is formed with an internal circumferentially extending rib 9.

At the upper end of the neck 6 is an internal circumierentially extending groove ill for receiving the peripheral portion of a rubber or other resilient washer ll into which can seat a ball l2 of glass or some other suitable material. The single washer II and ball l2 type of seal is employed with gaseous liquids, the gas pressure of the liquid serving to hold the ball 12 in sealing position against the washer II. A supplemental cover or seal l3 may be provided for the upper end of the neck 6 to prevent dust from accumulating on the washer I l and ball l2.

In the use of this form of the invention, the cover I3 is first removed and then the ball I! is forced downwardly, allowing the pressure to escape. The ball l2 will settle to a seated position on the seat 8.

When the bottle is tipped to a pouring position, the ball will rest between the constricted portion 7 and the rib 9 so as to be out of the way of the pouring liquid. When the bottle is again righted, the ball will again seat upon the seat 8, thus preventing the escape of gas from the liquid and thereby preserving the liquid fresh over an appreciable period of time.

A modification of the invention is shown in Figure 3 and is intended for non-gaseous liquicis. In'this form of the invention, two washers Ha, Ila are disposed in grooves lfla, Illa at the inner side of a bottle neck So, these washers Ha, Ha being in close spaced relation, with a spherical closing element |2a interposed between the same. In other words, pressure does not hold this closing element Ila. in position, it being held in position by the two washers in substantially the manner shown in Figure 3.

However, when the ball iZa is forced downwardly away from the washers Ha, Ha, it will drop to a seat 8a where it will subsequently function as in the instance of the closure element l2.

While the foregoing specification sets forth the invention in specific terms, it is to be understood that numerous changes in the shape, size and materials may be restorted to without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed hereinafter.

Having described the invention, what is claimed as new is:

A bottle having an elongated tubular neck of circular cross section from end to end and tapering smaller upwardly, said neck having an annular constriction of symmetrical form at its lower end defining an annular internal valve seat, and being formed with an annular internal circumferentially extending rib above said seat, a resilient washer secured in the upper end of said neck, and a spherical closure element normally seated upwardly against the washer to close its opening, said closure element being releasable from the washer so as to fall onto and close the bottle at said seat when the bottle is upright, the rib acting to stop outward movement of ball from said seat at a point outwardly of the latter and inwardly'of the washer to permit pouring of the contents from the bottle when the latter is tipped in any direction to a pouring position.

ARTHUR S. ODIN. 

